Ave maris stella

This beautiful setting of the traditional Marian antiphon Ave maris stella would grace any service or concert during the liturgical year, particularly at Marian feasts. Felice Anerio’s SATB motet sets the Latin text with a flowing, expressive polyphony that enhances the prayerful nature of the words. The composer’s skill is evident in his sensitive treatment of the text, moving from the opening salutation of Mary as Star of the Sea and Mother of God, through petitions for peace and light, to the final prayer for purity and for the beatific vision of Jesus. The piece concludes with a doxology to the Trinity. It is a fine example of sacred Renaissance part-music, rich in harmonic colour and contrapuntal interest.